The Ministry of Trade has declared that additional fees under the name of service charges cannot be collected from consumers in restaurants and food and beverage establishments. The ministry stated that inspections targeting such practices are ongoing and that administrative sanctions will continue to be applied to businesses that collect fees contrary to regulations.
The ministry emphasized that service fees have been abolished. It was stated that no additional charges will be permitted regardless of the name or justification under which they are applied.
Fines Issued Following Inspection in Istanbul's Beyoğlu
During an inspection at a restaurant operating in Istanbul's Beyoğlu district, it was found that service fees were charged in 69 separate transactions from consumers. As a result, the business was fined 274,137 lira in administrative penalties.
Additionally, inspections revealed that price information for 72 products offered for sale was not displayed on the menu at the entrance of the establishment. Due to this deficiency, the business was fined an additional 286,056 lira.
Thus, the business received administrative sanctions totaling over 560,000 lira for service fee violations and missing price information on the menu.
Investigation Launched into Unjustified Price Increases
The ministry also announced that an investigation has been initiated on suspicion of unjustified price increases on six different products. The case has been referred to the Unjustified Price Increase Evaluation Board.
The statement conveyed a firm commitment to continue inspections aimed at protecting consumers' economic interests. It was noted that businesses attempting to charge service fees will be identified individually and necessary penalties will continue to be enforced.
